After the Cleveland Cavaliers added a key player from the 2022-23 Miami Heat earlier this season in Max Strus, the 2023 Eastern Conference champions could look to return the favor.
Lamar Stevens, a power forward who is currently on the market after spending the first three seasons of his career with the Cavs, is reportedly attracting interest from several teams, including the Heat.
Stevens was actually involved in the sign-and-trade that brought Strus to the Cavs.
This was a three-team package deal, with Stevens being traded to the San Antonio Spurs.
The Spurs waived him after acquiring him and he is now a free agent.
The 26-year-old played a notable role for the Cavs last season, playing in 62 regular season games and making 25 appearances.
Over 18.
1 minutes per game, he averaged 5.
3 points and 3.
3 rebounds per game while shooting 44.
8% from the field and 31.
6% from 3-point range.
As Cleveland’s rotation shortened in the 2023 NBA Playoffs, Stevens found himself on the outside, appearing in just two games and seeing minimal playing time.
It’s no secret that the Heat have had a frustrating season handcuffed by the Damian Lillard trade saga.
As the Portland Trail Blazers have reportedly been uncooperative in trade talks, the Heat are said to have missed out on the opportunity to add key players due to the uncertainties they have faced.
If the Heat add Stevens, he will likely find its way into the rotation, especially if the team acquires Lillard and trades a few wings in the process.
The fact that there is so much interest in the Philadelphia native could suggest he is one of the best players still on the market this season.
It’s also important to note that Stevens entered the league as an undrafted player, and it’s well known that the Heat have had luck with such players over the years.
Stevens could be motivated by the idea of working with a Heat organization that will do everything in its power to maximize his potential.
The 2023-24 season is getting closer so it will be interesting to see where Stevens ends up.